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Retirees love to nest in the Poconos for several reasons, including the ease of commute to both New York City and Philadelphia — as well as the region’s spellbinding natural appeal. The choice is yours, whether you want to wake up to heartwarming views of a glistening lake — have access to beautiful trail-laden mountains — or be near a scenic river to take a refreshing dip (on a whim) when it is hot and balmy. Plus, Pennsylvania exempts all income from Social Security from taxation as well as payments from retirement accounts such as 401(k). If this feels alluring, discover below 6 Senior-Friendly Towns in The Poconos.

Mount Pleasant

For those who do not want to splurge on a retirement home and still get all nature offers — beautiful landscapes and all — Mount Pleasant is a perfect retirement venue. In March 2024, Mount Pleasant's median listing home price was just $194,900. If under the weather, Excela Health’s Frick Hospital is right in town and is a 102 licensed-bed facility offering numerous services, including award-winning emergency care. Then again, this town’s median age is a cool and tepid 51, just how a retirement venue should be. Similarly, fellow empty nesters aged 60 and above comprise 33% of the population. In essence, 1 in 3 residents knows something about the greatness of The Beatles, Swedish music group ABBA, or Elvis Presley’s timeless tunes. Outdoor venues here include the Coal and Coke Trail, where retirees walk along the same paths once taken by some of the country's most renowned industrialists, including Andrew Carnegie. Besides, Mount Pleasant (and the area around) plays host to immaculately landscaped wineries, including the fittingly named Greendance. Also, one will conveniently close to a delicious array of locally owned restaurants such as The Village, a perfect venue for a slow, midweek brunch.

Jim Thorpe

The fact Jim Thorpe is nicknamed the "Switzerland of America" serves as a delicious tell-tale of its outdoor potential and aesthetic appeal. Any retiree will want to wake up to heart-melting views of mountains, shimmering lakes, and glorious sunrises. Just 5 miles from town, St. Luke's Lehighton Campus is a 2024 recipient of America's 50 Best Hospitals Award and is in the top 1% in the nation for providing the highest clinical quality year over year. Aside from its eye-catching Victorian architecture (it is often a pleasure strolling through downtown Jim Thorpe), this Pocono charmer boasts numerous outdoor venues. These include the Lehigh Gorge State Park, which features caves, river views, picturesque hiking trails, and sparkling waterfalls. The Lehigh River provides numerous water-based fun activities — while The Mauch Chunk Opera House, smack in the middle of the historic district, is reputed to be among the northeast’s most intimate concert venues. Jim Thorpe’s median age is 49, and residents aged 60 and above comprise a comforting 34% of the population. The median listing home price in Jim Thorpe is $377,900.

Honesdale

Tucked away in peaceful and rural environs, Honesdale is enticingly slow-paced yet offers a strong sense of community and access to desirable necessities, including shopping venues and local eateries. We are talking about the birthplace of the American railroad since Honesdale was the site of the first steam locomotive to run on US commercial tracks. The Wayne County Historical Society Museum, a nice venue to hang around, houses a full-size replica of the landmark locomotive. Also, the famous Christmas tune "Winter Wonderland" was written about Honesdale and was exulting its winter beauty. Central Park, another nice venue to hang around, was the inspiration for the holiday standard. Once in a while, a retiree will enjoy foraging downtown and exploring venues such as Native, an amazing, upbeat restaurant customers often give rave reviews. This town’s median age is 43, about where life begins, and residents 60 and above comprise about 30% of the population. While Scranton is a short drive away, Wayne Memorial Hospital is right in town and is a 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. One does not have to break the bank either. The median listing home price in Honesdale is just $285,000.

Stroudsburg

The beautiful McMichaels Creek, featuring a lovely water-hugging trail and productive fishing spots — meanders through this buzzy town and imbues it with a rustic allure sure to captivate any empty nester. Everyone loves a good show, and the iconic Sherman Theater, a staple of the town since the Great Depression began, is a beautiful and unique venue for mood-lifting concerts and performances. Besides, The Renegade Winery, known for its terrific atmosphere and large selection of wines, will keep an empty nester looking ever young and healthy. A retiree here will be a heartbeat away from Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono — as well as the award-winning Saint Luke's Hospital Monroe. Stroudsburg’s median age is a wisened 47, implying folks here know something about the pranks life pulls. Similarly, residents 60 and above comprise a reassuring 37% of the population. In April 2024, the median listing home price in Stroudsburg was $399.900.

Weatherly

Weatherly boasts a median age of 44.9, a feature that speaks to its retirement appeal. Similarly, residents 60 and above comprise 29% of the population. There is much to love about this town, including the presence of the beautiful Eurana Park, a lovely venue to let a furry friend run and play. There is also Tweedle Park, a discreet site for communing with nature. Bibliophiles, however, will make friends with the Weatherly Area Community Library, a free library providing resources for life-long learning for all ages. Forest Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, known to provide the best in senior living and nursing care, is an important facility empty nesters will want to get acquainted with. Besides, it is hard to be prized out here — since the median listing home price in Weatherly is just $307,400. For urgent medical attention, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton and the award-winning St. Luke's Lehighton Campus are both short drives away. That said, it should be enough that the spellbinding Lehigh Gorge State Park is in the town’s backyard.

Smithfield Township

Considered the best place to live in Pennsylvania's Monroe County, Smithfield Township provides a delightful blend of rural and suburban feel — and hosts a campus of East Stroudsburg University, elements that will entice any retiree, especially those keen to live in an academic environment. A retiree here will be conveniently close to the Delaware River, which provides miles of gorgeous riverfront views, the Kittatinny Mountains, known for decent views and lovely trails, and the Delaware Water Gap — a mecca of outdoor fun and adventure opportunities. Besides, a retiree in Smithfield Township is a heartbeat away from the numerous excellent hospitals in East Stroudsburg and Stroudsburg, including the highly ranked Saint Luke's Hospital Monroe. The median age here is 41, and fellow empty nesters (those aged 60 and above) make up 21% of the population. Finally, Smithfield Township is not expensive. While Realtor.com does not indicate the town’s median listing price, one can easily get a home here for less than $250,000.

The Takeaway

Known to be among the most picturesque locations in the United States, the Poconos offers retirees several enticing features. These include Bushkill Falls, which people call the Niagara of Pennsylvania, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, punctuated with beautiful trails and spellbinding scenery, and the Camelback Resort, the 2022 recipient of Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. Also, the Keystone State is tax-friendly and exempts Social Security income from taxation. For those who want to retire here, senior-friendly towns in the Poconos include Mount Pleasant, Jim Thorpe, and Honesdale.